Caleb and his husband Sebastian are at a crucial crossroads in their lives. New York City has put challenges and opportunities in their path, and without race car driving in his future, Caleb worries about the future and money. At the same time, Sebastian presses him to have kids. Keeping their love going is Caleb’s main goal.When their friend Cujo visits from Florida, he meets their roommate Tristan. Cujo has always wondered about having a college romance. What would have happened if he wasn’t afraid of being with another man? Tristan is charming and loving, and presents a new challenge to Cujo, who’s now faced with a decision that will change his life forever. Once he embarks on this path of love, there is no turning back. Can he overcome his fears to find love in a new way?

SERIES REVIEW TOUR

REVVING IT UP SERIES by W.S. LONG

The stories revolve around two main characters, Caleb Youngblood, and Sebastian Rush. Caleb was raised in a NASCAR racing family and wants to pursue a racing career, but being gay and in the closet causes a problem when he falls in love with Sebastian who doesn’t want to keep their love hidden.

Although they can be read as standalone, the stories are probably best read in order to get the full character developments.

BOOK 1

Athletic and handsome, Florida boy Caleb Youngblood has always wanted to race stock cars like his father and his brother. The roar of the engines, the smell of the burning rubber and the thrill of speed courses his veins. Racing is as much a part of him as the sun and surf of the Florida ocean he loves.But, when Caleb falls in love with sports writer Sebastian Rush, he must make a decision. Will he stay in the closet and follow his dream, or can he make a life with Sebastian and follow his heart?

Excerpt

Note: may contain sexually explicit scenes of a homoerotic nature.

Garrison didn’t say anything until Joan and Earl left the room. Caleb moved closer and hugged his brother. “Glad you’re okay, man.”

“Thanks. What’s in the paper bag?”

“Clothes. I figured you needed to borrow a fresh shirt and shorts. Joan suggested I stop by your place and get you some clean clothes, but I wanted to come over right away without stopping at New Smyrna so I just grabbed you some of my clothes.”

Caleb snorted while Garrison threw the clothes at him. “You’re never appreciative of the things I do for you.”

Garrison mouthed the word asshole and then laughed.

“Did you expect anything less?”

“I guess not, little brother. Where have you been, by the way? You’ve been MIA for like two to three weeks.”

“Dad and I, well, I don’t know how to explain it,” said Caleb.

“Joan told me. She said dad wants Youngblood racing to focus on one driver for marketing and endorsements.”

“I guess that’s one way to put it,” said Caleb as he walked toward the window. “I asked him why, you know. He said he didn’t have to explain himself. That’s when I told him I didn’t want to ever talk to him again.”

“Dramatic much?” laughed Garr.

Caleb turned away from the window and sat next to Garr. “If he never wanted me to race the majors, why would he even let me drive period?”

“I don’t think we ever had a choice did we? I mean this is the family business. At least I didn’t have a choice — not like I’d want to do anything else. But you? You shouldn’t have dropped out of college. I know you came back because of Mom.” Garr patted Caleb’s thigh. “I’ll talk to Dad and see if I can talk some sense into him. I don’t know what’s going on lately. I know Joan and he like to keep the business side of things to themselves, but we all need to know why Dad is doing what Dad is doing.”

“You’re the better driver, Garr.” Caleb paused. “If he just came out and said, we’re going with Garrison because he’s the better, I’m fine with that. But to just say, I’m not racing anymore, especially the majors? I’m not ten years old. Dad should just give me the reasons why, not just say, I’m out. I’m done.”

They both sat in silence for a moment before Garrison spoke. “So what have you been doing lately? Bob says you show up in the shop and check out the cars when Dad’s not there and then leave.”

“I’ve been trying to send out feelers here and there about Formula racing and maybe racing for another team.”

“Does Dad know this?”

Caleb shook his head. “Nope. And don’t tell him either.”

“Joan said you’re dating a new guy?”

“That’s old news. We’ve been dating for more than a little over six months.”

“And you’ve never introduced him to me?” Garrison raised his shoulders and shrugged, and gestured for more information with a wave of his hands. “And?”

“I like him.”

“What’s his name?”

“Sebastian.”

Garrison’s eyebrows arched. “Sebastian?”

“He doesn’t like to use his middle name, Harry.”

“Last name?”

“Rush.”

“Okay. Are we going to do very short answers, now? I’m your brother. You don’t have to be secretive around me.”

BOOK 2

After Caleb Youngblood proposed to Sebastian Rush, the two men think everything should be smooth sailing. Marriage planning has started and the future is bright. Caleb is an openly out stock car racer, while Sebastian is offered the chance to work with a major TV studio as a cameraman at the Rio Olympics.But Caleb is at a crossroads. The racing world may not be ready for an openly gay driver. Even though he wants to race, the family business is barely making money. And Caleb, being the face of Youngblood family, may be too much for conservative fans. Meanwhile, when an ex-lover of Sebastian’s reappears, secrets from his past cause friction between Sebastian and Caleb.Should Caleb continue to race? Is Sebastian’s and Caleb’s love for one another strong enough to overcome what happened in the past? Or is their life together too tough to tame?

Excerpt

Note: may contain sexually explicit scenes of a homoerotic nature.

“That’s all you have to say?” asked Sebastian.

Caleb sat on the edge of their bed and removed his dress socks, and then his pants. Clad only in black boxer briefs, Caleb stood and rummaged through the dresser for a tank top, cotton socks, and running shorts. As he put his top and shorts on, Caleb broke the momentary silence. “What else is there to say? That … ummm … maybe you should have told me you were engaged?” Caleb took a seat again on the edge of the bed, and drawled out the last word, his eyebrows slightly arched, his jaw set firm. “I knew you had a serious relationship before me.” Caleb raised his hands up, both palms open. “But a serious relationship and an engagement are two different things.”

Sebastian knew that Caleb was still angry, based on Caleb’s tone and Caleb’s refusal to look him in the eye. “I didn’t tell you I was engaged for only two days because I was embarrassed.”

“David broke up with me. I proposed. He said he didn’t love me enough to marry me.”

“So you proposed to him?” Caleb whispered, who turned away from Sebastian.

“Yes. I did,” answered Sebastian. “But, he’s in the past.”

Caleb stood. “I can’t talk about this right now. I can’t wrap my head around the fact that you wouldn’t tell me about being engaged before. I mean, to me, that’s a pretty serious commitment. It’s something I would tell you if I’d ever been engaged.”

“I didn’t think it was a big deal. If I had known you would be upset by it, by the fact that I was engaged for two days, I would have told you. I don’t love him, Caleb. I love you,” blurted Sebastian. “I didn’t know what love truly was until I met you.”

“Your mom said you were in a pretty serious relationship before me. You said that. Maybe I’m making something out of nothing. Maybe I’m just pissed you’re going to Rio with your ex. I can’t filter all these emotions that are rushing through me right now.” Caleb stood and headed out of the bedroom. “We’re not done talking. But I need to clear my head.”

Sebastian nodded. “I’ll make dinner, okay? I’ll see you after your run.”

Caleb didn’t say anything; Sebastian heard the front door close, then Sebastian sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, his hands clasping the top of his head. Somehow, he had to persuade Caleb that David was in the past. His phone vibrated in his pocket and he fished out the cell.

David had texted him. Nice seeing you. We need to catch up before Rio.

Sebastian had a choice to make, and he knew it. He just didn’t know what to do. He punched in the contact tab on his phone and called his mom.

After a few rings, she answered. “Sebastian?”

“Hey, Mom. How’re you?”

“I’m good. Your sister just picked up your niece.”

“Awesome. Is this a good time to talk?” asked Sebastian.

“Sure, honey. I was about to start dinner but it can wait a few minutes. Why, what’s up?”

“Did Caleb ask you about David?”

“Who?” Ginny asked.

Sebastian repeated the question. “Did Caleb ask you about David?”

‘No. Caleb didn’t.”

“Then how did Caleb know I was engaged?”

“Oh. I told him.” Ginny’s voice trailed then she spoke again. “Was it supposed to be a secret?”

“Mom, I hadn’t told him. You know I was pretty upset about the break-up.”

“I know, honey. And don’t be mad, but I told Caleb that you both shouldn’t rush into getting married.”

Sebastian’s body tensed. “What?”

“Don’t raise your voice at me Sebastian Harry Rush.”

Sebastian rubbed his temples. “Oh, God. Why, Mom? Why?” He pulled the phone from his ear as he closed his eyes and silently counted to five to calm down.

“Sebastian, I’m worried that you’re rushing into a wedding. You haven’t even known each other for a year.”

Sebastian sat there on the edge of the bed. He heard his mother continuing to talk, but he stopped paying attention. She said something about September. Then something about his niece, Mindy. But all he could think about was Caleb sitting in his mother’s living room, and Ginny telling Caleb to delay the wedding. “Mom, I’m sorry. I’ve got to go.”

“Okay, honey. That’s fine. I got to start dinner anyway. I love you, son. You know I’m only looking out for you, right?”

“Thanks,” he whispered. He wanted to scream, but he knew it would only make matters worse.

BOOK 3

Caleb and his husband Sebastian are at a crucial crossroads in their lives. New York City has put challenges and opportunities in their path, and without race car driving in his future, Caleb worries about the future and money. At the same time, Sebastian presses him to have kids. Keeping their love going is Caleb’s main goal.When their friend Cujo visits from Florida, he meets their roommate Tristan. Cujo has always wondered about having a college romance. What would have happened if he wasn’t afraid of being with another man? Tristan is charming and loving, and presents a new challenge to Cujo, who’s now faced with a decision that will change his life forever. Once he embarks on this path of love, there is no turning back. Can he overcome his fears to find love in a new way?

Excerpt

Note: may contain sexually explicit scenes of a homoerotic nature.

When Cujo stepped outside the restaurant and walked two blocks, he hadn’t expected the full intensity of Times Square to wallop his senses. All the lights were on and the different screens blasted alternating pictures, advertisements, and music. “Wow, this is amazing.”

“I told you I was going to show you something incredible.”

“You delivered, buddy. You delivered all right. This is epic.” Cujo fished out his cell phone, tapped the camera icon, and took pictures. “Hey, Tristan, stand over there, I want to take some pictures of you.”

Tristan moved so that The Lion King JumboTron was immediately behind him as a Coca Cola sign flashed red and white lights nearby.

Tristan posed effortlessly for Cujo’s camera. The way Tristan walked, talked, and acted reminded him of Brett. Sweet, kind, and shy Brett. Cujo stopped taking pictures and scrolled through the photos of his camera. Tristan had inched closer and Cujo smiled.

“How’d they turn out?” Tristan asked.

“Very beautiful, I think.” Cujo showed him a photo of Tristan smiling. “It doesn’t hurt that the model is pretty attractive.”

“You remind me of someone I knew in college. He was a sweet, kind guy. A little soft. Not in a bad way but just someone who probably didn’t have an ounce of anger or hate toward anyone.”

“If that’s a compliment, I’ll take it,” Tristan said.

“It is.” Cujo showed the rest of the pictures to Tristan. “His name was Brett. And he was my first and only experimentation with the wild side.”

“You’re quoting me a phrase from a Lou Reed song?”

“Yes, I am,” Cujo said. “It’s actually one of my favorite songs. Did you know that David Bowie was one of the producers of that song? And he played guitar for it?”

Tristan nodded. “I love that song, too. So forward for the 70s. You know I think it was the first song about transgendered women and gay men to become popular?” Tristan leaned against a metal rail as they both took in the ever-changing spectacle of lights around them while casually crowd-watching the tourists and locals. “Why do you like it?”

“I just like the feeling the lyrics conveyed and the tempo,” Cujo said.

Cujo wanted to admit that he’d first heard it when Brett had played the song for him. Brett had explained the lyrics when they were both high on pot at the frat house. Then Brett leaned over unzipped Cujo’s pants and jacked him off to Lou Reed and later to Billy Squier’s, “The Stroke.”

Cujo laughed. “You know, I’m starting to fall in love with it, too.” And maybe it’s because of you. “Hey, if you’re ready to go, let’s grab a taxi. I don’t want to ride the subway back, if it’s okay. I want to see the lights of the city from the cab.”

“Fine by me,” Tristan said.

It didn’t take them long to stop a taxi as several had dropped off tourists in the same area. Once inside, they settled in the back seat. “Let me text you some of the pictures I took.”

Tristan handed Cujo his cell phone so Cujo could punch his number in and Tristan texted him a greeting text. Hey.

Hey back. Cujo typed before he sent a few pictures. “I had a good time tonight.”

A military brat, who entered the military himself, W.S. Long practices law in Florida, reads, writes male/male romance, and believes in happily-ever-afters. Married to a great husband, he enjoys theme parks, movies, geeky stuff, and traveling when not working or writing.

Author

Lily G. Blunt writes contemporary gay romance. She loves to explore the relationship between two men and the intensity of their physical and emotional attraction. Angst often features in her stories as she feels this demonstrates the depth of the men’s feelings for each other. Lily is forever writing imaginary scenes and plots in her head, but only a few ever make it to the page. There never seems to be enough hours in the day despite having left the teaching profession to concentrate on her writing!

Lily discovered the wonderful world of m/m romance novels five years ago via fan fiction and went on to write stories in her spare time. With the encouragement of her friends and readers she decided to publish some of her work. Lily subsequently self-published several stories via Amazon and later published short stories with Torquere Press, Wayward Ink Publishing, and Pride Publishing.